Charter Commission Head Resigns

Board Of Selectmen To Appoint Replacement

PORTLAND — The chairman of the town's charter revision commission has resigned amid criticism of his handling of a public hearing last week.

The board of selectmen will meet in special session tonight to accept the resignation of Republican Frank Tassistro and to name a new commission member to replace him.

The meeting will be at 6:45 p.m. in the Portland Library.

Tassistro, whose actions at a public hearing a week ago have drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, submitted his written resignation to Town Clerk Bernadette Dillon Tuesday.

Tassistro was criticized at the hearing for mentioning suggested charter changes in an interview with the Rivereast Bulletin, a weekly newspaper. The criticism intensified when he refused to hear comments about anything mentioned in the story.

The public hearing, the commission's first, was designed to get comments from residents about possible changes to the charter. Some officials, including Tassistro, have indicated they would like to see more people involved in passing the town budget, possibly by requiring a referendum instead of a town meeting vote.

In his letter of resignation, Tassistro said it appears his leadership style ``clashes with the concepts of the small group of people attending that meeting.''

``I feel strongly . . . that leadership or change frightens people and threatens special interest groups,'' he said.

Tassistro declined to comment further on his decision, except to say he was ``just sorry it didn't work.''

He said he also plans to resign from the Republican town committee and to withdraw his support of the committee's activities.

Town officials said they supported Tassistro's decision to resign from the charter revision commission.

``Mr. Tassistro made the right decision,'' said First Selectman Edward L. Kalinowski. ``It would be in the best interest of the town, considering the criticism that has been received. I'm glad he took this step forward.''

Republican Town Chairwoman Donna Benoit agreed.

``Frank made the right decision for the betterment of the town,'' she said. ``I fully support it.''

Benoit, referring to the criticism of Tassistro's handling of last week's public hearing, offered a warning to other town officials.

``This is a clear message to all board and commission members: You represent the people, and their views must be heard,'' she said.